Once upon a time, Apple used to make important changes to the iPhone every two years. A new model (iPhone 4, 5, 6, etc.) would launch with a revised look, followed by a S Variant that increased performance and smoothed all imperfections.
This is no longer the case. Due to the maturity of the iPhone, iterative annual upgrades have become the standard. After all, there is only a few things that it can improve from year to year. And despite what you may have read about this year’s phones, the new programming is trying to be cleaner, even with the introduction of a new aerial model.
This is why if you plan to get a new iPhone, you may want to wait for the iPhone 18 series of next year. Unlike the iPhone 17, the 2026 range should bring some of the largest design and features upgrades for years, which could make the iPhone 17 feel resolutely Ho-Hum.
Something in the air
In September, Apple would have launched the iPhone 17 air – an ultra -client handset with a brand new shape factor. Exciting, right? Maybe not. First generation devices are often riddled with faults, and a year later, the air of the iPhone 18 will almost certainly address all the problems with a refined and polished design.
Beyond that, there seems to be few convincing reasons to opt for an iPhone 17 air. The elegant device will probably have a life of the poor battery, a single rear camera, fewer speakers and other compromises for a premium price. With most people who have made their phone skipped in a case anyway, a super-client iPhone Really is worth it?
Now that the EU has confirmed that Apple is authorized to publish smartphones without port, air iPhone 18 could potentially benefit from it. The end result would be a lighter and incredibly slim iPhone which, unlike air 17, could justify gaps and expenses.
The air of the iPhone 17 can be super thin, but it is nothing compared to a folding model.
Foundry
Above the fold
We hear about an iPhone folding for years, but it seems that it happens. But not this year. In 2026, Apple should start its first foldable smartphone (enter the joke of the iPhone 6 Plus here), competing with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and changing the iPhone as we know it.
The 5.5 inch device is supposed to wrap an interior screen of 7.8 inch, imitating an iPad Mini when opening. It would be easily the most dramatic and exciting iPhone change since the iPhone X in 2017, and many Apple fans will want to jump on the first adopters.
Flair of the lens
Even if you jump the air from the iPhone 17 and its unique camera, the iPhone 17 Pro does not try to offer a lot of significant camera upgrades, apart from a 24MP front sensor and a 48 MP telephoto. However, an increase in the more substantial camera could arrive next year. At least one iPhone 18 model (probably Pro Max) will boast a variable opening lens – a limited advantage to high -end professional cameras.
If this is true, iPhone users will be able to mechanically control the amount of light reaches the sensor for the first time. This could raise photos of portraits by improving the applied depth of the effect on the field, as well as minimizing the overexposure. Most smartphones users do not rely on a DSLR or a dedicated mirror camera to capture their daily moments. Porting a variable opening lens on the iPhone could considerably improve the photography experience.
The camera of the iPhone 17 Pro will be very good, but the real big changes will be covered next year.
Foundry
A cut above
Apple presented the dynamic island with the iPhone 14 Pro, and it quickly became one of the best features of the handset, with quick access to timeries, scores, background tasks, etc. But when it is not used, it is still somewhat unsightly – and that should not change this year.
Next year, however, Apple would go to under-attacking facial identification sensors, which will probably have the dynamic island significantly. The contradictory reports are difficult to predict whether the iPhone 18 Pro will include a smaller dynamic island or a hole stroke, but it is sure to assume that it will be more futuristic and brings the iPhone of the vision of the flawless and impeccable glass slab in 2030.
Chip offset
For many occasional users, the annual upgrades of Apple chips are not so important. Iphones of years ago always work fluidly and occur in a without gap, and a slightly faster processor will not really have an impact on the daily experience significantly. However, there may be a bigger boost with the iPhone 18 models.
In 2026, Apple should unveil the A20, going from a manufacturing process of 3 Nm to 2 nm. Consequently, the iPhone 18 Pro models could be much more capable and powerful in power. But that’s not all – the iPhone 18 range should also adopt the second generation of Apple’s internal 5G Modem. Unlike the C1 predecessor included with the iPhone 16th, the C2 chip could support mmwave connectivity and provide other improvements to the table.
With the iPhone 17 line which probably sticks to the hungry modem of Qualcomm and the A19 3NM processor, it is prudent to assume that the iPhone 18 will have a higher battery life.
Next year’s iPhone range will probably have Apple’s second generation modem.
Foundry
Iteration now, innovation later
In just 12 months, Apple’s iPhone 18 series will probably offer some of the most distinct changes in the ages. Depending on the rumors, we get a whole new folding factor in multitasking, as well as a potentially improved air model as well as other significant improvements.
In the meantime, what will the iPhone 17 bring? A slim body? A modified rear camera bump and an increase in prices? We think you will better buy an iPhone 16 at a reduced price and wait until 2026 to get something really new.
